The best things to do in Luxembourg

What is it? The business district of Luxembourg-City, home to the country’s EU institutions and stunning architecture.

Why go? The Kirchberg area symbolises the changes Luxembourg underwent over the past decades: from a mostly agricultural and industrial country to one of Europe’s finance hubs. Walk across the infamous ‘red bridge’ that connects the old town and Kirchberg and marvel at some of the most spectacular architecture the country has on offer. Head to the Philharmonie and the adjacent Museum of Modern Art (MUDAM) and enjoy the spectacular panoramic view across the city and its valleys from the Dräi Eechelen plateau.

Address: The MUDAM is located at 3 Park Drai Eechelen, 1499 Clausen, Luxembourg

Hours: Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm, closed Monday

Price: €10 for general admission 

What is it? The place to go for arguably the best croissants and tartlettes north of Paris.

Why go? Luxembourgers are strongly divided over which pâtisserie has the finest selection of pastries, and both, Namur and Oberweis are national institutions on the list that delight your sweet tooth. The Opéra cake and Mont Blanc are divine. The coffee, however, is debatable. Head to the nearby Konrad Cafe for your daily dose instead.

Address: 27 Rue des Capucins, 1313 Ville-Haute, Luxembourg

Hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 7.45am to 6pm, closed Sunday and Monday

Price: €2 for croissants, €6 for the Mont Blanc, €5 for tartletts

What is it? A traditional café that gives visitors a good glimpse into Luxembourgish mannerisms.

Why go? Located right in front of the Parliament building, Bistrot de la Presse is a local cafe and restaurant, and the perfect spot to catch Luxembourgers debate politics and football while enjoying a cold pint. The décor remains unchanged over the last decades, and is basically a shrine to Luxembourg’s royal family, whose faces adorn the nicotine-stained walls. The menu is typically Luxembourgish, and includes many of the national dishes like kniddelen mat speck, flour-based dumplings with crispy smoked bacon and cream, or paschtéit, a hearty and savoury meat pie that uses Rieseling for its pastry. 

Address: 24, Rue du Marché-aux-Herbes, 1728, Luxembourg

Hours: Open daily from 9am to 10pm

Price: Plates from €14.50- €42 and desserts from €6-€12.50 

What is it? Stunning vineyards and a lot of wine tasting – only a 20-minute drive from the city.

Why go? Luxembourgers love their wine so much they even reference it in their national anthem. The Moselle River is Luxembourg’s wine country and one of its most scenic nature spots. Tourists flock here in the summer and enjoy a glass or two on riverbank terraces or the many wine cellars along the Moselle. If you're a newbie, try Caves St. Martin, a century-old, riverbank winery that specialises in natural sparkling wine and quality crémants.

Address: 53 Rte de Stadtbredimus, 5570 Remich, Luxembourg

Hours: Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to noon, and 1.30 pm to 5.30 pm, closed Monday and Tuesday

Price: Guided tours start from €9.50 per adult 

What is it? A legendary bar that puts on regular sing-alongs.

Why go? If you're into kareoke or love bursting into song,  grab a late-night drink and a cheeky croque monsieur on the side at this cosy, poster-plastered bar. Situated in the picturesque Grund neighbourhood, Café des Artistes is an after dark destination where its candlelit piano becomes the boozy gathering point. If you want to join the sing-along along, and learn French chansons and traditional Luxembourgish folk tunes, this place is for you.

Address: 22 Mnt du Grund, 1645 Ville-Haute Luxembourg

Hours: Open Wednesday and Thursday from 5pm to 1am, and Friday and Saturday from 5pm to 3am, closed Sunday to Tuesday. 

Price: €5-16 for beer, wine and spirits, and €3-5 for nonalcoholic drinks

What is it? Luxembourg’s cultural hub in a unique location.

Why go? The Rotondes were built as a storage facility for steam locomotives, but now houses some of the finest cultural events in the country. From record fairs and art exhibitions, to theatre and indie concerts, this place will satisfy each quirky desire.

Address: 3, Place des Rotondes — L‑2448, Bonnevoie, Luxembourg

Hours and entry cost vary by event. 

What is it? A transparent, outdoor elevator that offers a panoramic view across the old fortress to those who are not afraid of heights.

Why go? Opened in 2016, the Pfaffenthal Elevator connects the city centre with the Pfaffenthal valley, and has become a favourite among locals and visitors. The all-glass construction is perfect for admiring the sweeping valleys of the city, or for pretending you're in an Roald Dahl children's book. It’s also one of the few attractions in Luxembourg that are free.

Address: 2 Rue du Pont, 2344 Ville-Haute, Luxembourg

Hours: Open daily from 5.45 am to 1am. 

Price: Free entry

What is it? A glimpse into Luxembourg’s industrial past. Ride a historical mining train and go underground in the country’s south.

Why go? Before Luxembourg became Europe’s banking hub, iron ore mining was the country’s main economy. The south of Luxembourg is still called ‘Minette’ (ore) and is famous for its blast furnaces and red rock landscapes. The Fonds de Gras used to be a mining valley, but now runs as Minett Park, which hosts an underground mining museum, authentic steam train, epicerie, accomodation and more. 

Address: 2, Fond-de-Gras, 4576 Niederkorn, Luxembourg

Hours: Open Sundays only, and varied days throughout the year. 

For more information, visit Minett Park's official website. 

What is it? A scenic valley in Luxembourg that's also known as ‘Little Switzerland’.

Why go? Luxembourg is blessed with natural landscapes, but the 112km-large Mullerthal valley stands out with its lush hills, splashing waterfalls, and wooden stairways and bridges. Located around 40 minutes away from the city of Luxembourg, the region is often compared to the Swiss Alps, and has lots of parking to hit its famous trail routes. Echternach, Luxembourg’s oldest city (and home to a stunning historical abbey), is also only a short drive away. 

Address: Park at Touristcenter Heringer Millen, located at 2-8 Rue des Moulins, 6245 Mullerthal Waldbillig, Luxembourg. 

It's near the trail and Brasserie Heringer Millen, the perfect stop for a victory pint after a long hike. 

Hours: Trails are open 24 hours daily.

Price: Car park and trails are free entry. 

What is it? A pedestrian trail across the old fortress that makes for an easy route to explore the city.

Why go? The Wenzwelwee stretches from the city centre to the remains of what was once Europe’s strongest fortresses (‘Gibraltar of the North’), down to the cosy Grund and Clausen neighbourhoods. You don't need to rush the trail. Luxembourg-City is so small, that you can stroll along the cobbled streets of the old town, and enjoy the view and local life at a leisuerly pace. 

Address: Start at Casemates du Bock, located at 10 Montee de Clausen, 1343 Grund, Luxembourg. 

Hours: The Wenzelwee is open 24 hours daily

Price: Free entry